On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the management team of the Master of Social Welfare Program (MKS) conducted an official visit to the LAZIZ MKU headquarters to explore potential avenues for collaboration. This initiative is part of the program’s ongoing effort to expand its network of strategic partnerships in support of institutional development and the advancement of the university’s three pillars: education, research, and community service. The meeting was attended by the Director of LAZIZ MKU, along with program managers and staff, while the MKS Program was represented by the Head and Vice Head of the program.

LAZIZ MKU is widely recognized as the coordinating body for zakat fund management among BMTs (Sharia Cooperative Microfinance Institutions) across Indonesia. In carrying out its mission, LAZIZ MKU allocates 70% of zakat funds to community empowerment initiatives and 30% to grants. This empowerment-oriented approach aligns well with the MKS Program’s vision of creating sustainable social impact through academic and community engagement.

Several areas of collaboration were agreed upon during the meeting, including:

• Mutual participation in educational activities, such as guest lectures and thematic curriculum development;

• Involvement of MKS faculty members in community empowerment programs conducted by LAZIZ MKU;

• Joint initiatives in research and academic endeavors such as seminars, policy discussions, and co-publications.

This partnership marks a strategic starting point in strengthening the MKS Program’s role as an adaptive academic program responsive to social issues, while actively fostering synergy with institutions that share a social welfare mission. Looking ahead, the collaboration is expected to generate meaningful benefits for both the community and the academic sphere.